New Delhi: Liverpool’s transition from Jurgen Klopp’s high-octane ‘heavy metal football’ to Arne Slot’s more controlled and measured approach has been remarkably seamless. In just over a few months under the Dutch coach Liverpool have won 19 out of 23 games across all competitions, losing only one.
Let’s find out what exactly has changed tactically under Slot and what the future holds for the Reds.
Shift in playing style
While Klopp’s Liverpool were known for their relentless pressing and fast transitions, Slot has introduced a style that balances control with attacking intensity. One of the most significant transformations Slot has made is how Liverpool now handles the ball in their half. Under the Dutch manager, the team has started circulating the ball more methodically, particularly in their defensive third. Opta statistics show a notable increase in the number of passes made in the defensive third rising from 117.2 per game last season to 133 this season. This small adjustment has already made a big difference in Liverpool’s overall play, providing them with more composure in build-up situations.
Slot’s influence also appears to be inspired by former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. De Zerbi’s approach of playing through opposition presses with defenders and goalkeepers holding onto the ball until the opposition closes them down, is something Slot has embraced pretty well. With top-class ball-playing defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, the Reds can afford to adopt this high-risk, direct-attack led-approach. The patience required from the backline has been evident and while it’s a calculated risk, it’s a risk that Slot’s defenders are ready to take.
This is the difference between Slot & Klopp as he says in his own words. While both enjoy a high pressing game & vertical & expansive play in the latter phases, Slot likes his teams to be lot more retentive & patient in earlier phases to create good spacepic.twitter.com/DKK8DoFu9T https://t.co/WyQhX3TreG
— The Devil’s DNA (@TheDevilsDNA) August 26, 2024
Despite this newfound patience Slot hasn’t completely dropped Klopp’s emphasis on transitions. Liverpool still relies on the ability to exploit fast counters but now the creation of such situations is more deliberate and less distraught. The overall style has shifted from Klopp’s high intensity pressing to a more strategised form of aggression that waits for the right moment to attack.
Building on Klopp’s foundation
One thing that remains consistent between Klopp and Slot is the team’s defensive framework. Just like Klopp, Slot also prefers a 4-2-4 system without the ball which allows the wide attackers to drop back in order to form a compact block. However, Slot’s version is less aggressive and more focused on maintaining structure. The front four players position themselves in such a way that they limit the passing lanes forcing the opposition to either play long balls or into wide areas where Liverpool are comfortable pressing.
And there we have it — this time Slot tweaks it to a 4-4-2 against a side who leave their full backs high. This zonal approach makes sure the wingers and full-backs share responsibility in wide areas and at the same time maintaining central compactness. Slot the tweaker ✅ #LFC pic.twitter.com/yk5X44I1s1
— Asim (@asim_lfc) November 1, 2024
Despite the system’s structure there have been some weaknesses against teams like Arsenal and Chelsea who have found ways to bypass Liverpool’s front four and progress the ball centrally. Slot has acknowledged this and remains confident that the defensive unit can adjust. His tactical philosophy emphasizes control but he is willing to sacrifice some pressing intensity to ensure better organization.
One indicator of this less aggressive approach is the drop in Liverpool’s PPDA (passes allowed per defensive action) from 8.9 last season to 10.8 this term, reflecting a more relaxed pressing intensity. Additionally, the number of high turnovers has decreased significantly from 392 last season to 127 so far this season. Slot’s Liverpool is not as relentless in regaining possession but are much more efficient in doing so when it matters.
Tactical adjustments to key roles
Slot has made subtle but significant changes to key player roles who have been crucial in Liverpool’s early-season success so far.
Gravenberch’s role as number six
One of the most notable tactical shifts has been Ryan Gravenberch’s transformation into a number six – a deep-lying midfielder responsible for dictating play. Under Klopp, the Dutchman played higher up the field in an advanced role. Now, Slot has repositioned him in front of the defense giving him space to control possession, dictate tempo, and progress the ball forward. This has allowed Alexis Mac Allister to play further upfield where he has been more effective. While Gravenberch has shown promising display, the 22-year-old is still adjusting to the role and has occasionally struggled when pressed high by opponents as seen during Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Newcastle.
Ryan Gravenberch – “THE BEST” Midfielder in the World RN. 🪄🫡 pic.twitter.com/aieqFJH6jB
— Mo. Adnan (@moadnanxlfc) December 16, 2024
Alexandre Arnold’s return to right-back
After a brief experiment in midfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to his traditional right-back position providing the team with more defensive solidity. However, his passing range and ability to transition the ball from defense to attack remains invaluable. Slot has also given Alexander-Arnold the freedom to venture into more central positions when necessary. This move allows Alexander-Arnold to create opportunities for Mohamed Salah, either by overlapping or by pulling defenders out of position to create space for the Egyptian winger.
Trent Alexander Arnold: 👀👀
“My specific skill set and what I’m best at is someone who plays in the middle, someone who controls the game, controls the tempo, creates, breaks line, progresses the ball up the pitch,” said.
“You probably get more out of me from being in the… pic.twitter.com/jj9Doe5hXJ
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) November 16, 2023
Salah’s role
Mohamed Salah has thrived under Slot’s tactical system. Salah’s offensive contributions are as strong as ever with 23 goals and 16 assists already. One of the key tactical changes has been isolating Salah in one-on-one situations where he can use his dribbling and finishing skills to break down opposition defenses. Alexander-Arnold’s movement into central positions creates space for Salah to exploit, particularly in wide areas, where he can cut inside and pose a goal threat. Salah’s ability to deliver both goals and assists has been enhanced by the tactical tweaks Slot has implemented, making him more integral than ever to Liverpool’s attacking play.
🚨📊Crazy stats: Mohamed Salah is the only player in history to rank amongst the Top 5 players with most goal contributions in Europe THREE TIMES (3x) and never make the FIFPro World XI or receive a Ballon d’Or podium finish 🤯 pic.twitter.com/n1hWF3C8jL
— Out Box Liverpool (@OBLiverpool) December 18, 2024
What’s ahead?
Arne Slot has introduced a breath of fresh air to Liverpool with his focus on control and patience while still retaining aggression seems to be a winning formula. The team is looking more balanced and less prone to burnout which was a key concern under Klopp.
Slot’s tactics are already paying off and Liverpool are well positioned to capitalize on their rivals’ weaknesses. While there is always room for improvement but the early signs are incredibly promising.
The Dutchman is building a team that can compete consistently at the highest level, blending his measured approach with the explosive attacking style. The future looks bright for the Reds under Slot’s leadership as they are Premier League points table leaders.
Explore Liverpool’s tactical evolution under Arne Slot, blending control and aggression for a balanced approach, transforming their Premier League dominance. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
